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Evening Star, Issue 2996, 25 September 1872, Page 2

Progress.—A movement is on foot for the establishment of a woollen manufactory at Queenstown. Political. —A (Jaxdte issued to-day notifies that Mr George Turnbull has been appointed Deputy-Superintendent vice Mr W. A. TolJiie, resigned. Obituary.—The San Francisco mail brought intelligence of the death, on his way home, of Mr J. K. Karslake, who, for two years represented the Coleridge district in the General Assembly. Acclimatisation. A somewhat novel shipment was brought to Lyttelton by the Nebraska, in the shape of two be<r cubs, which were brought from Canada for the Canterbury Acclimatisation Society. Lecture. —The Rev. A. Reid delivered a highly instructive and interesting lecture on “Geuisis and Geology,” at the Athemeum last evening; Mr Justice Chapman presiding. At the close of the lecture, which was attentively listened to, and frequently applauded, a hearty vote of thanks was awarded to the rev. lecturer.

The New Zealand Herald.—We have received a copy of the Illustrated New Zea’and Herald , which, in addition to four beautifully-executed engravings of New Zealand scenery, contains an excellent summary of New Zealand affairs for the month. As a truthful exposition of the present position, local and political, the Illustrated New Zealand Herald is worth,transmission to the parent kingdom. Parliamentary Wit.—Several of the mad wags of the Opposition have endeavored to crack jokes for the last day or two at the expense of the Ministry. The highest flight achieved has been t® characterise it as a Super- abundant Ministry. The “next best” attempt was made at the Opposition dinner on Tuesday, when, alluding to the hon. member for Parnell, Mr Stafford was congratulated on his ingenuity in constructing a Cabinet without Wood. — Post, Sept. 2. Agricultural,—The Committee of the Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association have under their consideration the propriety of starting an agricultural journal. It is proposed to be published quarterly, the first number to be published in January, and the prospectus States “that in order to secure as wide spread assistance in this direction as possible, and for other reasons, cordial relations should be established and maintained with every agricultural and horticultural society in the Colony, including farmers’ clubs and other bodies whose aim is to promote improvement in rural economy.”

Value of Land in Melbourne.— The purchase of land in the heart of the City at the rate of L2OO a foot by oue of the Melbourne banks a few years ago, was looked upon as something worth remembering ; but this most unusual price has been exceeded by that attained at an auction sale last month. A piece of ground 30 feet frontage, with a depth of 156 feet, was disposed of at the enormous price of L 370 a foot, or LI 1,100 for the 30 feet. This land, which was bought by a private individual, is situated in the beat part of Collins street. Undoubtedly this is the highest price ever paid for land in any of the Colonies.

Spouting. —At a meeting of the Dunedin Jockey Club, last night, the report of the sub committee appointed to draw up a programme for the meeting on Nov, 30, was submitted and approved of. A letter was read from Mr E. Pritchad, placing at the disposal of the Club a handsome silver cup weighing 104 ounces, to be run for by twoyear olds, the produce of his entire horse Master Rowe of the season 187 L It was resalved that the cup be accepted, and a committee was appointed to prepare the conditions of the race. It was suggested that the owners of thoroughbred entiresmight subscribe asum for a race to be called “The Sires’ Produce Stakes,” it being a matter in which they would be personally interested, and that such a race could form an event at the Club’s meetings.

Wise’s Directory. —We have received a copy of Wise’s New Zealand Directory for 1872-3, a most useful work, which no business firm can afford to do without, Not only does it contain alphabetical and trade lists of the inhabitants of the C Bony, but several useful tables of great use to refer to by all classes of persons. There are tables of population, Customs duties, postal arrangements, insurance charges Ac., and a mass of information so arranged as to be easily turned to. There is a copious index both of the matter and advertisements. Perhaps a few -words on the title-page sum up the intention cf the compiler, which appears to have been faithfully carried out. The work contains “Alphabetical, trade and professional, and General and Provincial Government official directories, with ecclesiastical, stamps, Customs, postal, and miscellaneous information for the whole of New Zealand.” The book, which is neatly pointed and tastefully bound and lettered, is highly creditable to the publisher, Mr H. Wise. Princess Theatre. —There was a very good attendance lastfevening, the performance being for the benefit of Miss Marion Willis, lathe first r piece, “Babes in the Wood,” Mr Hydes, as Beetles, acted better than we have seen him for years, strongly reminding ns of some of his best days ; and was well supported by the other members of the company. The afterpiece was the burlesque of “ Ye Honeyraou and both pieces will be repeated this evening. Last evening, after the comedy, the audience were favored with a Shakcsperian selection in character, by an amateur, who some time since covered himself with confusion by the manner in which he played the principal character in a favorite Irish comedy. We thought that the observations we were then called upon to make would have effectually cured him of all ambition to again tread the boards ; but we were mistaken. Having failed in comedy, he hoped to retrieve his laurels by a flight to tbe higher walks of the drama, and chose Richard the Third for his selection. To describe the impersonation is impossible. Elocution there was none ; and the little that was heard was marked by a strong “brogue,” which was as painful to listen to as it was novel. The effect on the audience was amusing in the extreme ; from first to last, there were peals of laughter, which increased in intensity as the speaker proceed, until at last, when he struck an attitude decidedly original and capje to a

dead pause, it seemed that those who had with difficulty prevented themselves from joining in the fun, gave full play to their risible faculties ; and almost inextinguishable laughter resulted, during which the curtain fell. We fervently trust we have seen the last of such amateur performances—exhibitions we call them.

The annual meeting of the Albion Cricket Club will bo held in Hutchinson’s Prince Alfred Hotel, on Thursday evening next, at 8 o’clock, A meeting of the electors of Wakari will be held in the Presbyterian school-house Maori Hill, on Friday evening, at 8 o’clock, to take steps to supply the vacancy caused by the resignation of Mr Macassey. Mr J. Hesford takes his benefit at the Princess Theatre on Friday evening next. As the programme for the evening offers special attractions, there is little doubt that Mr Hcsford’s claims for support will be cordially responded to. We have received a letter from “A Parent,” relative to Government school fees, but, as the complaint is one which properly should be laid before the Dunedin School Committee, we decline to publish his communication.